Larry Russell  Bridenbeck, a man of honesty, hard work, and love,  passed away,  unexpectedly and suddenly,  from a heart attack, on August 12, 2024.  He was with his wife, June, and their German Shepherd, Lucy,  and on his boat, Kiska. His death was both painless and quick. Occasionally he had shared with his wife how he hoped to die at home, and did not want to linger, or be in  pain. That wish was granted.

Larry was born on August 31, 1951 at Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was the oldest of four children, born to Marion Gertrude Cord and Russell Roy Bridenbeck . Larry had three siblings  who include Karl James Bridenbeck (Teri) born in 1952, of Albany, Oregon, Diane Therese Davis (Scott) born in 1954, of  Placerville, California,  and Janet Eileen Okimura (Michael) of  Sacramento,  California.

Larry left an indelible mark on all those he met with his sincerity and steadfastness.  His legacy will continue to be a beacon of inspiration for those who truly knew him.

Larry was married to his first wife, Sara, in 1983 and they had three beautiful children.  Larry has always said that his greatest accomplishment was undoubtedly raising his children. His daughter, Ashley Marie Kendall (Jeff) was born in 1985.  Ashley and Jeff have two daughters, Mabel and  Penny.  Her family lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.  His first son, John Cord Bridenbeck,  was born in 1987, and lives in Oakland, California.  Of the three children, John has pursued an interest in sailing, like his Father. His second son, Craig Scott Bridenbeck (Krysta) was born in 1988, and lives in the Philippines, with his wife Krysta,  and their newborn baby boy, Noah.

Larry loved his three children immeasurably and he instilled in them his beliefs, teaching them that honesty and integrity were his highest values.  These lessons, deeply ingrained in his children, will serve as constant reminders of his dedication and love.  His grandchildren were very precious to him, and Larry was always delighted to get photos and videos of Mabel and Penny.  He wished that he lived closer to this grandchildren, but he made the best of it.

Larry and his current wife, June Bridenbeck,  celebrated their tenth anniversary on June 1st of this year.  They met in Warren, Oregon in 2012, through mutual friends.  June encouraged Larry to pursue his long time dream to walk across Spain on the Pilgrimage of El Camino de Santiago.  He wanted to do this, he explained to his family and friends, simply "because I know I can."  He wanted to, not "prove" to himself, but rather celebrate his good health.  Larry had turned 62 years old just a few days before he flew to Spain. After completing  his journey,  Larry went on to Madrid  where he waited for June to join him, and asked her to marry him. Their bond was one of deep love and mutual respect, a testament to Larry's caring and nurturing nature.  June cherishes the time they had together and will miss his presence dearly.

When Larry and June became committed to each other in 2012, June's adult children and two young granddaughters became part of his family. June's daughter, Hansa Gutierrez, her husband Jose,  and their daughter Bianca live in Oregon.  June's son, Nathan Meyerson, lives in New Mexico and has a daughter, Senna.

Larry and June always felt very grateful and blessed to have five adult children, who were all doing well.  Between them there are four granddaughters and now one grandson, Noah.

Larry held a deep belief in God that was more spiritual than religious, a viewpoint that shaped his approach to life.  "I really think God just wants us to be happy; for everyone to be happy.  I think that's it."  He believed that God's Ten Commandments covered just about all guidance needed to have a good life and  that the Golden Rule of treating others like you would want to be treated was reflected in how he interacted with family and friends, coworkers and strangers, alike.

Over the years, Larry enjoyed many interests.  These included boating and sailing and living on his boat, along  the Multnomah Channel and the Columbia River.  He had had  two boats, "Kiska" and "Cool Breeze."  His children spent endless hours with him  on both of these sailboats.  Larry encouraged each of them to bring along a friend or two on these outings.

A long time  and close friend of Larry's, Craig Shaw, observed first hand how Larry provided countless experiences for Ashley, John, and Craig. "It was just likeTom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn," Craig Shaw explained. "Larry was a wonderful father, completely dedicated to his children."

Another long friendship Larry had was with Andy Mendenhall. They forged a close friendship when Andy attended college at the University of Portland, and Larry was employed there.  Andy went with Larry and his three children on many sailboat adventures.  Years later, for a period of 9 months, Larry took care of Andy's sailboat, (the Rosalita), which was located in the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico.  Larry was a single handed sailor and was able to sail around the area, on  "Rosalita."  He treasured that opportunity very much.

Larry's parents owned and operated the Bridenbeck Marina for several years, buying and selling  pleasure boats, water skis, and similar crafts and supplies.  Along with his siblings, Larry helped his parents maintain and run the family business.  He developed a deep love for the water, boating, and boat building, and the countless skills needed to run such a business.

When Larry was attending David Douglas High School, the Bridenbeck Marina business was very successful. Larry's parents sat down with Larry, and told him  that they would pay for his choice to attend any college, university, or trade school. Larry held out his hands, palms up, and told them "Mom and Dad, all I really want to do is work with my hands. That's all I want to do."  Larry developed numerous skills and became a carpenter, and taught himself all of the other skills needed to build and maintain just about anything. He said that the only skill he had not pursued was welding.

Money was never a priority for Larry, except to provide for himself, and later his  first wife, Sarah, and their three children. Often he worked two (or more) jobs to provide for his growing family.

A very hard and conscientious worker,  Larry dedicated himself to any job he pursued.  He was employed by the University of Portland, Central Catholic High School, and numerous other businesses.

About 12 years ago Larry started working with Rick Reed, who was very well known for providing stage background sets, etc.  for the Portland area performance community.  This was Larry's introduction to the stagehand arena.  Larry later worked under the guidance of IATSE Local 28  in Portland. (IATSE is the entertainment workers union, in Portland, and contracts with the Moda Center and many other venues.)

Larry loved working as a stagehand.  He would come home and tell June everything about who he worked with, and who they were setting up for.  He loved working with people who maintained a strong work ethic and formed a team  each time that performed almost perfectly together. He told June again and again how much he enjoyed the work, and, most importantly, how much he valued and respected his coworkers.

Larry had expanded his work to include driving a forklift and becoming a specialist in using a spotlight for a variety of events, including the Trailblazer games and huge concerts.  He quickly acclimated himself to being high above the audience and fans, and to do his job proficiently and precisely. These are obviously very important skills for running spotlights.

Over his lifetime, Larry became involved with other interests. He was part of Orygun Cowboy Action Shooting, and had a very good aim. You had to be able to quickly and accurately use old time guns and rifles to shoot at targets. This was very competitive.  He won many ribbons for his performances.  Another part of this activity was to only wear authentic clothing that was available at the time period they were focused on (late 1800s).

Larry enjoyed a variety of music, from the Grateful Dead, to the old time Blues, to Classical. All three of his children played musical instruments. He enjoyed attending all of their performances at their school and elsewhere. Larry went to just about all of them.  He also enjoyed going to his step-granddaughter's performances.

If there was one well known person who influenced Larry the most, he would have said it was Garrison Keillor, the creator of the Prairie Home Companion. This was a Minnesota Public Radio Show, that ran weekly starting in the 1970's for several decades.  Larry never failed to listen or watch this program every week.  His children knew not to bother him during the program, unless  it was a true emergency.

Larry and June attended two live events in the Portland area, with Garrison Keillor.  After the first one June told him, "I understand you a lot more now!"  Larry was fond of telling this to their friends.  Larry  was very fond of quoting things Keillor said on his show.  It became natural for Larry to use the quotes in his daily life.

Larry Russell Bridenbeck was preceded in death, by his parents, Russell (2020) and Marion (2021) Bridenbeck, several extended family members, and several close friends.

Hustad Funeral Home was wonderful and Scott, the owner, gave important care and support to June throughout the process of taking care of her beloved husband, Larry.  Hustad Funeral Home is located in Portland's St. John's neighborhood, at 7232 North Richmond Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97203. Phone:  503-286-9663, website:  www.hustadfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, funds are being raised to "Help June with Larry's expenses."   Those who wish to contribute to this cause can do so at the following URL: https://everloved.com/life-of….

Larry Bridenbeck lived a life of great love, sincerity, and duty. His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate all those who were fortunate to have truly  known him.

https://everloved.com/life-of/larry-bridenbeck/